The next level down is medium and is most popular action being sold today. They flex further down rod than fast action. Great for beginners, it is also choice of most experienced angler’s who don’t own a bunch of rods. For beginners they are forgiving to learn on, providing more accuracy then super fast. They don’t cast as far however, and you will battle wind more in this type rod.

The last level is slow or full bend, often bending all way to grip. These rods are dying out, which is a shame, because for fishing small creeks they are best. They don’t cast very far, but you don’t need that on tiny creeks, but what they do best is absorb shock, so your tippet doesn’t get as stressed, there fore your chances of snapping off fly are reduced.

Grips:

The choice of grip is often over looked when choosing a fly rod. This is a mistake, as grip is important in comfort of your fly rod in your hand. Most decent fly rods these days use standard cork as material. full wells grips are choice if you have large hands, and half wells grips are popular with lady anglers. They both many ways you can hold rod, and your hand seems to naturally find it’s preferred method of holding rod. It can also be altered once fatigue sets in, so you can fish longer without cramps.

Manufacturer’s:

There are many of them, and guess what, most common names all make great fly rods. With advent of graphite in 70’s fly rod industry was revolutionized, and now one must not spend a fortune for a bamboo rod, to enjoy great fly fishing.

I, personally have fished almost every name brand on market today. Like every other angler I have my preferences but I must admit differences are nil, and I could probably learn to like any of them, just as well as ones I won. I currently own rods from Scott, LL Bean, Loomis and Cabela’s, and they all have characteristics I love and some I would like to see improved, and I am a very happy owner of them all.

I do look for lifetime warranty, and it offered by virtually all major rod maker’s today. It is figured into price of rod, and you must register your rod upon purchase to qualify for it. But if you have your rod for any length of time you will undoubtedly be glad you have it. Whether you broke your rod tip off fighting a fish, trying to free a snag, or in car door, most rod makers will send you a replacement.

Recommendations:

Realize these are very basic recommendations and use them as a starting point. But for small streams and brook trout I like 3-4 weight slow action rod. They are still out there, but you may have to look. For other trout and small mouth bass I like 5-6 wt. rods and medium action. And for largemouth, salmon, and steelhead, try a 7-9 weight fast action rod. Look for future recommendations on Saltwater Fly rods from The Big Y Fly Fishing E-zine at http://www.bigyflyco.com/Bigyflyfishingezine.html .

Rick: "Ok. What Time Should I Be There?".

And when he said that. We both just busted out laughing!

So, next day, Rick shows up in locker room. And he asks...

"Hey, you think it'd be alright if I brought a camera along?".

Rick loves to hang pictures in his office. And he has a story for every one. But, I suggested - "Why not save it for after round. You know. After we've all had a chance to get to know one another."

It seemed to make sense and reluctantly, Rick put his camera away.

So, we all met up at first tee...

Did introductions...

Teed off...

Had a few laughs...

A little conversation here and there...

Good time.

After we finished round we all shook hands and Augie said they were going to be on their way. Rick asked if Tony would mind a picture, but Augie and Tony were heading right out. No time for a shot.

I don't have to tell you how Rick felt. If he had brought his camera, he'd have been able to snap a shot. Instead, he listened to me...and didn't get picture.

To say he was disappointed would be putting it mildly.

But being good guy that he is, he never said an ill word to me for my bad advice.

And now I have some advice for you.

Don't take my advice.